Lithosphere consists of

[amp_mcq option1=”upper and lower mantle.” option2=”crust and core.” option3=”crust and uppermost solid mantle.” option4=”mantle and core.” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

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The Earth’s internal structure can be described in terms of both chemical composition and physical (rheological) properties. The lithosphere is defined by its physical properties; it is the rigid, outermost shell of the Earth. It consists of the crust (both continental and oceanic) and the uppermost, rigid part of the mantle (also known as the lithospheric mantle). It sits atop the asthenosphere, which is a more ductile layer of the upper mantle.

The lithosphere is typically about 100 km thick, though its thickness varies significantly, being thinner under oceanic crust (around 50-100 km) and thicker under continental crust (up to 200 km or more beneath old mountain ranges). The movement of the lithospheric plates over the asthenosphere is the basis of plate tectonics.

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